A new twist on Country
Best known for her front-women work in the country, retro-folk band Mount Moriah, H.C. McEntire is setting out on her own for her debut solo album LIONHEART. Her Southern independence is melded right into what could be considered modern country music. Her lyrics become lessons about our current world setting and how to truly unleash your inner confidence. Her form of connecting with the listener comes through in her clearly personal stories.
The first track from McEntire titled “A Lamb A Dove” displays the simplicity of the album’s mixing and recording out in the open. With just the cradle-rocking sound of her voice, a little guitar and some backup vocals, we are gently reminded that this world can be rough but we need to continue on. “It’s a wild
world/ That will make you believe/ In a kingdom/ Full of mercy and faith/ It’s fine line/ And I will walk it with grace/ Come like a dove/ I’ll show you love,” she sings.
The third track, “Yellow Rose,” is a confidence booster for anyone who identifies themselves as an outcast like McEntire does. To be kind to one another is the theme and reminder of the song. Each song more personal than the last; tracks like “Quartz in the Valley” and “Baby’s Got the Blues” display her insecurities and just how open she is with her listeners. She is comfortable in her skin and casts all doubt to the wind, “Call it off of call it God/ Call it anything you like/ Do you see it in my eyes?”
The album is made up of nine songs and collaborations from Kathleen Hanna, William Tyler, Angel Olsen, Amy Ray, Tift Merritt, Mary Lattimore and Phil Cook, takes what you think you know about country music and twists it on its head. While staying devoted to her sound, fans and true self, the album is an eye-opener on how to grow with the changing times and embrace every moment. The debut raw, real, living-room-recorded album from McEntire is one not to sleep on.
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